It probably took some kind of scientist to figure out all the permutations and butterfly effects that led to such a tumultuous conclusion to the home-and-away season — and that was only with one down-to-the-wire finish! Before we got to Sunday's craziness, though, the two preceding days began to make the picture clearer: Melbourne reached the top 4 at Brisbane's expense, and Fremantle did their job, but the latter had to sit nervously and hope they could sneak a double-chance. Alas, they could not, but only after Collingwood had yet another wild finish go their way. Combined with the Bulldogs' win in Launceston, Carlton were left on the outside looking in. To close it all out, Sydney had to struggle to get to third place, still getting into a qualifying final but having to go to the 'G for it. Outside the finals race this round, multiple champions of the game were farewelled, including one club's best ever in a fitting rivalry send-off. ...Oh, and some coaching news happened... yeah, it's all a lot.
